Tell us about the business.

Fire Response supply firefighting equipment to the Australian Emergency Services, Defence, mining and industry. We specialise in matching the best performing products to the individual needs of our clients to ensure optimum safety and efficiency.

How long have you been doing business?

We’ve been working hard at Fire Response since 2016.

How many people work for the business?

We currently have 7 employees including our new Brand Manager who is starting soon.

Describe a typical day at ‘The office’.

A typical day is a non-stop whirl of activity. Our small team handles a substantial volume of quotes, orders, deliveries, and stock management every day. We arrive to a mass of emails and quote requests and amongst processing them we are in and out of the warehouse, dealing with deliveries and quality control. On top of that Nick is often out of the office visiting mining site and helping them test and transform the efficiency of their washdown and water cart set ups.

What’s the best thing about the business?

Our team and our clients of course! We have a fabulous community that we have built up over the years and it’s very rewarding to know that we are helping them to perform their vitally important roles.

What are the biggest challenges facing your business?

It’s probably a similar thing that challenges a lot of businesses post Covid – supply chain issues. Whether it’s delays in stock from our overseas manufacturers or the rising cost of freight within Australia, we are constantly trying to stay ahead.

What is the biggest opportunity for your business right now?

We are experiencing a surge in demand for our onsite testing of severe duty equipment and firefighting foam from mine sites near and far. There are so many incidents that can be prevented, and the problem often lies with equipment that is not fit for purpose, has been modified or isn’t working correctly. It often follows that the system isn’t mixing the foam correctly thereby creating a lean mixture that will not subdue a fire. We check the equipment, run flow testing and test the foam (both here and via our foam partners in Spain) to get a full picture of where improvements can be made. The savings are huge for a site when you consider the risks involved to life, plant and equipment.

What is the business most proud of?

We are proud of our partnership with VS Focum in bringing their world class fluorine free foams to Australia. We are repeatedly told that we give our clients a more in depth understanding of what is involved in choosing, and using, a foam concentrate.

Community or other causes close to its heart and values?

A big shout out to first responders all over Australia. They are an incredible community, and their service is so vitally important. It’s why we ensure that our products are the best and most reliable available in the market.

Any funny or heartwarming stories to share?

Last year we hosted our Spanish foam manufacturers on a tour around numerous mining sites from the West Coast, and all up the East Coast. It was really satisfying to see Australia through their eyes. We take so much of our country for granted and it renewed our awe in the vastness of the land, the tenacity of our people and the quality of our food and wine.

Any employees that deserve a shout out?

Our whole team are incredible! It’s their knowledge and versatility that keeps Fire Response going day in, day out.